A magnificent almost run-a-ball knock of 97 from wicketkeeper batter Akshit Rana helped Chandigarh to secure a 28 runs lead against Kerala on the third day of the Col CK Nayudu match being played at Mahajan Cricket Ground, IT Park on Tuesday. UT boys scored 412 runs after bundled out visitors for 384. Kerala was struggling at 135/7 in its second at the end of the day's play. 

Earlier, Chandigarh added 167 runs to its overnight score of 245/5 and was all out for 412. The key attraction of the day was Akshit Rana's innings of 97 runs off 99 balls which was well deserved with 12 boundaries and three sixes. Apart from him, the host team smashed three half-centuries - Devang Kaushik (88), Nikhil (68) and Arnav Bansal (62) in the inning. Unbeaten Arman Jakhar added 28 runs. Kiran Sagar took five wickets from the bowling side.

Kerala in its second innings failed to impress with bat as bowlers continued with the wicket taking spree and reduced the side at135/7 before the stumps were drawn. Riya Bashir (47) has been the top scorer of the innings so far.Ivraj Ranauta continued with his form and clinched three wickets while Harshit got two wickets.